Casey Stoner wild-card rumours played down

Casey Stoner may have only retired from MotoGP for a matter of months, but already the rumour mill is suggesting he could return later this season for some wild-card appearances.

Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 27-year-old Australian, who won MotoGP titles for Ducati and Honda, could take part in the Motegi and Phillip Island rounds for Honda.

HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto previously stated that Stoner would always be welcome should he wish to return: "If he ever [Casey] decides to come back he will find a warm welcome waiting. I told him that's always on offer."

However Repsol Honda team principal Livio Suppo said he is unaware of any 2013 wild-card plans: "It would be very nice, but at the moment not to my knowledge. Obviously if Casey wanted to, there would be no problem."

Stoner will make his debut in Australia's Dunlop V8 Supercar Series this year.

Moto2 champion Marc Marquez has taken Stoner's place at the Repsol Honda team, alongside 2012 title runner-up Dani Pedrosa.